Brendan O'Carroll has cancelled the Mrs Brown's Boys Christmas and New Year's specials after a CT scan found two fractures in his jaw, requiring immediate surgery and a recovery period of several months.
The 70-year-old creator and star of the BBC sitcom announced the news in an official statement, saying he had to cancel the recordings of the 2026 specials due to an "unexpected medical issue".
Immediate surgery needed
O'Carroll wrote: "It is with sincere regret I must announce that due to an unexpected medical issue I will have to cancel the recordings of the 2026 Mrs Brown's Boys Christmas and New Year's Specials."
He explained: "Following a CT Scan, it was found that I had two fractures in my mandible (jaw) which requires immediate surgery and a few months recovery."
The Irish comedian also confirmed he would postpone his Mrs Brown's Boys D'Panto? stage shows in Dublin and Killarney, which had been scheduled for later this year.
Heartbroken star apologises to fans
"This decision has not been taken lightly and has been made on medical advice from my consultant," O'Carroll said. "To say I am heartbroken is an absolute understatement. I would like to sincerely apologise to all our fans who were looking forward to seeing the shows and for any disappointment caused."
He confirmed that he and MCD Productions are working to reschedule the stage performances for 2027, and that he has been in discussions with the BBC about bringing the TV series "back on the screen" the same year. He thanked both MCD and the BBC for their "support and understanding at this difficult time".
O'Carroll said he is now focusing on returning "back to full health", stating: "I genuinely cannot wait to see you all again in 2027." He added: "Our fans mean the world to us, thank you from the bottom of my heart for your love and support and trust me Agnes Brown and her family will be back."
BBC wishes speedy recovery
A BBC spokesperson said: "We wish Brendan a full and speedy recovery and are working with him on plans for Mrs Brown's Boys in 2027."
O'Carroll is best known for playing the matriarch Agnes Brown in the popular BBC comedy. Mrs Brown's Boys first aired on BBC One in 2011 and has since shown more than 50 episodes, including Christmas and New Year specials. In 2013, it topped the Christmas Day viewing figures with 11.5 million viewers, and the following year's festive episode drew 9.69 million.
